Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that only six of the 19 northern governors supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential ambition during the 2023 general election, despite the intense political resistance that surrounded his campaign.

Shettima made the disclosure on Wednesday at the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, during the turbaning of Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate.

Looking back at the political atmosphere that preceded the 2023 presidential election, Shettima said Tinubu faced significant opposition and numerous attempts to frustrate his ambition. Despite the lack of widespread support among northern governors, he said the former Lagos governor remained determined to pursue his goal.

“You all know that we have 19 states in the North. Out of these, only six actually believed and supported Tinubu, but Tinubu refused to be deterred. He was able to cross the road,” Shettima said.

The Vice President also recalled one of the political slogans that circulated during the campaign, saying opposition to Tinubu was particularly strong at the time.

He said the political challenges did not stop Tinubu from pressing ahead with his presidential bid, comparing his determination to that of former President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he described as a politician who was unwilling to be pressured during political negotiations.

According to Shettima, Buhari would often resist attempts by political actors to arm-twist him into accepting positions against his wishes.

Beyond recounting the political battles of 2023, however, the Vice President used the occasion to urge politicians to approach elections as contests that should not permanently divide them.

He said political disagreements should give way to reconciliation once elections are over, pointing to Tinubu’s relationship with northern governors who had not supported his presidential bid as an example.

“After the 2023 election, President Tinubu hugged and forgave all other northern governors that did not support him. That is a mark of a good leader,” he said.

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Shettima subsequently appealed to politicians in Kwara State to put their differences behind them after the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries and work together regardless of the outcome of the internal contest.

He stressed that political competition should not become a permanent source of division, particularly when elected officials are expected to work for the same people after elections.

The Vice President also spoke about the economic difficulties confronting the Tinubu administration when it assumed office. He said the government inherited about $3.9 billion but remained determined to implement its economic agenda despite the difficult financial circumstances.

According to him, the administration's economic team continued with its reform programme with the expectation that the measures would eventually strengthen the Nigerian economy.

Shettima's visit to Ilorin also included the inauguration of the Kwara Revenue House on Ahmadu Bello Way and the Kwara Garment Factory.

The major highlight of the visit, however, was the traditional ceremony at the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, where Governor AbdulRazaq was honoured with the title of Sardauna of Ilorin.

The title was presented in recognition of AbdulRazaq's leadership, public service and contributions to the development of Kwara State.

The ceremony brought together political leaders, traditional rulers and other dignitaries, providing an occasion for the Vice President to reflect on the political journey that produced the Tinubu administration while also calling for greater unity among politicians ahead of future political